(YONKERS, NY) Yonkers Gang Leader Convicted Of Racketeering, Murder

YONKERS, N.Y. – A 25-year-old Yonkers gang leader was found guilty of criminal activities such as racketeering, murder and drug charges by a jury in White Plains Federal Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

As a member of the Elm Street Wolves gang, known as the Wolves, Steven Knowles shot down a rival gang member and killed him in cold blood, U.S. Attorney Preet Bhara said in a news release.

“Knowles is now held accountable for not only (that) murder but for the years of violence and drug dealing committed by Knowles on the streets of Yonkers,” his statement said.

He was also involved in the attempted murder of another gang member and participated in a more than decade-long conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine within several blocks of Elm Street and Oak Street in southwest Yonkers, the U.S. Attorney's release said.

A jury found that since 2000 Knowles was guilty of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime, and discharging a firearm. He was acquitted of one count of conspiracy to commit murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of possession, use, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Knowles was arrested in 2011 on a 21-count indictment, along with the arrest of 65 presumed Yonkers gang members.

Knowles faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, plus 35 years. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2014.